Fall Favorites

Happy Fall! As much as I love Maine summers, fall is by far my favorite season. I love the cozy sweaters, crisp air and the vibrant colors of the changing trees. Maine is not lacking in wonderful fall things to do, here are some of my favorite activities.

Take a Walk in the Woods

I am lucky enough to live within just a few miles of some fabulous trails. One of my favorite trails is along the Presumpscot River Preserve. It gives you the feeling that you are deep in the woods but you’re actually just a few steps away from a Portland neighborhood. There are boardwalks and bridges along the trail but it is steep in some areas. It’s a beautiful hike along the Presumpscot River.

Experience Leaf Peeping in a New Way

Last October Andrew and I, along with his mother, went horseback riding on The Carousel Horse Farm. Andrew’s mom is an experienced rider but it was our first time. It was so much fun that I think it may become an annual fall tradition.

The guides at CHF were very knowledgeable and the hour ride was perfect for a beginner like me! The farm in in Casco, Maine which is more inland, you could see mountains in the distance and the fall colors were poppin’.

Visit an Orchard

Picking my own fruit is something that I love doing in the summer and fortunately that love carries over into the fall. Apples are everywhere in Maine from the end of August until late October. Being a teacher, I love to bring my class apple picking but I also enjoy going in my free time as well. Libby & Sons, where I go blueberry picking, is a great place to go apple picking early in the season. I just brought my class to Dole’s Apple Orchard but one of my favorites is Orchard Ridge Farm.

They have heirloom apples that you won’t find at every orchard. If you’re looking for the traditional Macintosh this is not the place for you, but if you want to try a Golden Russet or a Crimson Topaz it’s a must stop. Their unique apples create a wonderful apple crisp but if you’re not the baking type they have a lovely store on site with local meats and baked goods.

Speaking of Apple Crisp…here is my apple crisp recipe! This recipe is from my Troop 77 Girl Scout Cookbook that we made in the 90s. It’s Andrew’s favorite.

Ingredients:

4 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced

¼ cup orange juice

1 cup sugar

¾ cup flour

½ tbsp. cinnamon, more or less. I tend to add more!

¼ tsp. nutmeg again add more if you like, I fresh grate my nutmeg so I don’t really measure

½ cup butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*

Mound up apples in pan. Pour juice over apples. Combine dry ingredients and cut in the butter.

Sprinkle on top of apples and bake in an 8×8 pan for 45 minutes.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

These are just a few of the things that I love about Fall, what are yours?